Saskatchwan Angus Association

Bill & May Smith - 2007 Saskatchewan Commercial Angus Producers of the Year

Bill and May Smith are our worthy Saskatchewan Angus commercial producers of the year and they certainly demonstrate a huge commitment for our treasured breed Angus through a well thought out breeding program through to marketing.

Bill and May hail from the Parkbeg area about 50 kilometers west of Moose Jaw.Their farm is nestled at the base of a hill surrounded by rolling native prairie and tilled farm land. Bill has been farming here since 1953 and purchased the homestead, now occupied by his son Roy, in 1963.

The ranch consists of around 5000 acres, half in rich, rolling, native prairie and the remainder in forage grass and alfalfa, along with farmland where they raise forage peas and oats, baling some for feed and using some for swath grazing. Their goal is to keep the feeding and input costs to a minimum which has been achieved through raising their own feed and utilizing swath grazing to decrease the need for intensive labor. The cozy farm yard has evolved over the years to accommodate an extensive corral and handling system for the increasing numbers of cows. The cattle yards are mainly connected to the extensive pastures that surround the farmstead making it easy to manage the movements of cattle throughout the seasons of the year.

The Smith’s began in the cow business with straight Hereford cattle. Then in the early 70’s a Black Angus bull was introduced to produce the black baldies that are still very popular crosses today. Seeing the benefits of the Angus cross, Bill was very impressed with the maternal qualities, calf vigor and calving ease. With the influx of Charolais cattle into Canada in the 70’s Bill ventured out to do a terminal cross. Finding the cross with the Black Angus and Charolais at that time not as popular, Bill investigated the merits of Red Angus cattle. The first Red Angus bulls were purchased to cross with the base Hereford/Charolais female herd. With wide acceptance at the marketplace Bill pursued a crossbreeding program that he still maintains today, breeding his straight Hereford cows Charolais then
crossing back Red Angus. It is not uncommon for these cows to be weaning off an average
of over 700 pound calves.

The spring calving of 350 head usually begins in early April and is predominantly done on the grass. Each year Bill retains a percentage of replacement heifers and breeds them back Red Angus. Bill and Roy agree that very few calving problems are encountered from their replacements as they hand pick the top end to keep their herd consistent and continually breed for no nonsense, low maintenance cattle that can calve on their own and wean off a calf of proportionate body weight.

Bill is now semi-retired from the farm, living in Moose Jaw, but he continues to help out his son Roy who has taken over the reins of the ranch and farm. According to Roy his dad still goes to all the bull sales and will continue to do the bull selection as Roy recognizes he doesn’t have time to attend the sales, as well, he knows his father is very talented in choosing the bulls that best suit the successful breeding program that continues on.

When Bill selects new herd sires he chooses those that will enhance, whether it be a heavier birth weight cow bull or the requirements for a heifer bull, knowing full well that choosing the right herd bull will impact his herd for many years. It is not uncommon for Bill to outbid even the purebred breeders on a bull that fits the needs of his program.

Bill has actively been involved on many boards and at community functions showing his commitment to advancing organizations and having input. He is a lifetime member of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, was a Councilor and Reeve with the RM of Wheatlands, a board member on the Moose Jaw Union Hospital Board, a board member on the Moose Jaw Ambulance Board and a 4-H project leader.

The 4-H connection involved his son Roy and presently his granddaughter Vanna. Bill provided leadership in bringing in noteworthy instruction on fitting cattle and feeding and enjoyed working with the next generation of cattlemen and cattlewomen. Bill’s granddaughter has won many prizes and championships with the very cattle Bill has designed his program around. This in itself has been very rewarding for him knowing that his breeding program is appreciated and accepted in the cattle industry.

Bill continues to stay involved in the cattle industry by attending breed sponsored events such as the Saskatchewan Angus/Canadian Red Angus Promotion Society summer tour in 2007. Through this he found the sessions on minerals and creep feeding very informative and interesting and has since pursued utilizing them within his program. This demonstrates being a life long learner for Bill is of the utmost importance in advancing your own farm business.

As you have read the many accomplishments and involvement of Bill Smith you can appreciate how he most deserving of the title Saskatchewan Angus Commercial Producer of the year title.

Congratulations and thank you for being such a great Ambassador for our breed ANGUS!

Eastondale Angus - 2007 Saskatchewan Angus Breeder of the Year - by Shane Castle

The best part about working at something that takes time, skill, perseverance and dedication is the result and satisfaction! The results have been excellent, acceptance is high and the dedication to the Angus breed and it's people is admirable. The Easton family is steeped in Angus tradition dating back to 1948 when Grandpa Easton (Gerald) founded the Kenwaw herd. Today the Eastondale herd carries the family torch in breeding Angus cattle by Dale, Shelly and Erika Easton. Four generations and 59 years later they have developed a cow herd that is the backbone to a successful Black Harvest Bull Sale in the spring and Black Harvest Female Sale in the fall. One of Dale and Shelly's proudest accomplishments is the fact they have been a part of the Black Harvest Sale for 19 of 20 years. This sale would certainly represent one of the longer standing production sales. Cattle have also been exported to Denmark, Czechoslvakia, England, Russia, USA and Mexico.

The Eastondale herd consists of a 150 purebred cows with an additional 30 yearling heifers being bred every year. The operation covers 1600 acres of pasture, hayland and a small amount of crop for swath grazing, 10 miles west of Wawota on the edge of the Moose Mountain Provincial Park. While cattle are their passion, the business is truly about the people and Eastondale is an excellent example of this logic. Committed to the betterment of the breed, Dale is now serving his second go with the Saskatchewan Angus Association (SAA) board, with his first stint being in the early 1990's. Shelly also served on the Saskatchewan Angus board after Dale completed his first go. True to form Erika is currently the Saskatchewan Junior Angus Association President and sits as the Junior Director on the SAA, serving on the board with her Dad, a fact they are both very proud of. The Easton’s also believe strongly in rural community life with Dale serving as a member of the Lion’s Club and as President of the local rink board for many years. He also coached midget hockey and played senior hockey for many years. Dale has also been a 4-H leader for ten years and served as district 4-H Council President which isn't something you do for notoriety. Shelly was a school trustee for nine years, served on the local recreation board and was actively involved volunteering at the school for many years. Erika enjoyed many school sports, excelling at curling, track, volleyball and softball and she competed at the provincial level in curling, track and softball. Erika has been a 4-H member for 10 years, a Saskatchewan Junior Angus member for 12 years and a Canadian Junior Angus member for 10 years. She graduated from high school last June and is currentlyenrolled at the University of Regina in Business Administration,majoring in Accounting.

The Eastondale accomplishments would include Champion Pen of 3 Clipped Bulls at Agribition as well numerous Champions and Class Winners at various shows throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Eric and Katie Rincker of Brockhill Farms showed Eastondale Blackbird 4'01 as Grand Champion at the Top Meadows Junior Show at the Royal Winter Fair and the Supreme Champion at the NABC in London. The Easton’s exhibit cattle annually at Canadian Western Agribition but have a different perspective about the show. Although winning a class is a nice accomplishment, it is not their priority. Exhibiting a string of honest cattle that they are proud of for past, present and future customers is more beneficial to their program than any ribbon and they certainly enjoy being able to network with other breeders, both purebred and commercial, learning of other programs and best of all being able to visit with many people. The cost of showing is a worthwhile investment to them, no doubt about it. What is important to Eastondale Angus is the accomplishments by the breed as a whole, where it has come from and where it is going. Success can be measured in many ways but true to its mark is supplying commercial customers with quality bulls that will be a benefit to their respective herds.

If you know the Easton’s you will know service is high on the list to make sure there is good value in every purchase and that the follow up doesn't end when the trailer door shuts. Anyone can sell a bull but following up the sale and ensuring customer satisfaction is where added value comes from. Being the 2007 Purebred Breeder of the Year represents more than just your peers honouring your accomplishments. It comes from hard work and determination. One doesn't think when checking cows at 2 a.m, or when trudging through the mud, “Sure hope this is what it takes to become recognized”. You do it because you want to and it's what needs to be done to complete your role in Animal Husbandry, which for anyone with livestock knows can certainly be trying. Cows are the backbone to any good herd and the families which they descend from. Certainly after 59 years in the business you can bet the cream has risen to the top and those that were unproductive eliminated themselves. At Eastondale their signature cow families are the Mayflower’s, Susan’s, Rosalind’s, Pansy's, Blackbird’s, Peggy,'s, Annie K's, Barbara’s, Betsy's and Countess’. Dale's first purchase was made 31 years ago at the 1976 Masterpiece Sale when he purchased his first two animals. Robert Stables of Isla Bank had two heifers in the ring and choice was offered or you could double up on both. With the most feared move in auction history Dale swept the ring at $265 a piece. This was the start of Eastondale!

Every now and then breeders have a gut feeling about an animal and they dive in headfirst when they come available. This was the case on a beautiful, sunny day in August 2005 when a cow named GDAR Forever Lady 9136 came up for sale at the Dryland Anniversary Sale. Forever Lady was already the dam to a recent Eastondale herd bull purchase in Dryland Iceberg 231M and his impact was just starting to be taken note of. When Colonel Dorran's hammer fell at $20,000, Eastondale was the proud new owner of this foundation cow. I usually don't become overwhelmed when someone buys an animal but emotions were high that day and I did get a little caught up by a good friend getting what he had set his sights on. Herd bulls that have left their impact on the Eastondale herd would include Bardolier Q Ben 66' 73, Pleasant Vista Longfellow who was purchased from the Husband’s. Prospect Chairman 91S was purchased and certainly left his mark on the herd as did Royal Connection. Get-A-Long Y Not 974 made a tremendous impact on the herd with his daughters being exceptional producers. In 2003 Dryland Iceberg was purchased and has taken the bull and female marketing to another level as the first set of "Ice" sons averaged over $5000. Iceberg leaves calves light at birth with lots of growth, sound structure and eye appeal that is pretty hard to get around. Recent herd bull purchases would include Dryland Max - his first calves look excellent and Duration 606 is the latest addition - to date he appears to be very promising and represents the overall balance that Eastondale strives for.

With all of this being said, be sure to take time and visit with the Easton's if you haven't already. As stated before, this business is about people and you will have to drive many miles to find them as good as the Easton’s are. It doesn't matter which breed of cattle you may have, it takes the good kind to have a positive impact. Congratulations on being named 2007 Saskatchewan Angus Purebred Breeder of the Year!

Commercial Producer of the Year
Bircham Ranch, Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan

Wayne and Erin, along with sons Leigh and Jordan, ranch in the Cypress Hills in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan, commonly known as short grass country. This 450 cow operation includes the original homestead settled in 1913 by Wayne’s grandfather, Alfred Bircham, and the ranch holdings of Ralph and Doris Bircham, Wayne’s parents.

In 1982 Wayne went to the Fourth Annual Short Grass Angus Sale and bought his first registered Angus bull, Lot 60, Wiwa Creek Delta. That was the start of the Bircham family switching from a straight Hereford operation to one using horned Hereford females and registered Black Angus bulls as service sires.

Angus bulls are purchased mainly from Sandy Bar Ranch (Bob & Gail Switzer & family) Aneroid, SK. These are bought mainly at the Short Grass Angus Sale and the bulls are out of the leading cow families at Sandy Bar Ranch. As well, from Ebon Hill Angus (Roger & Jo Hillestad & family) Bow Island, AB. They have bought most of these bulls out of the Medicine Hat Bull Sale, purchasing Grand and Reserve entries several times.

Wayne’s approach is, “Never by a bull without checking out it’s mother.” They look for bulls with lots of depth, broad tops, natural thickness, length of body, sound feet and legs, good testicular development and a solid pedigree. They prefer the bulls be ultrasounded and recorded as AAA. He likes the EPD on a bull or female to be just above the breed EPD average and it helps to know the actual yearling weight on a bull as well.

The Bircham’s Horned Hereford replacement heifers are purchased from purebred herds and top quality commercial herds. These females are selected on the basis of their genetic background, conformation, length, well-balanced udders, sound feet and good hair coats.

Calves are born from March 15th to May 15th on a sixty day breeding program. 80-85% are born in the first three weeks and every dry cow is culled. They practice a full herd health program and have culled ruthlessly for udders, feet, hair and fertility.

By carefully studying and implementing the best genetics of both breeds, this program offers commercial producers a top cut of first cross top quality heifers. Their first cross black baldie and brockle faced heifers are bred and selected with maternal traits uppermost in mind so purchasers can buy with confidence. They follow up on their cattle and have had many repeat heifer buyers over the years who have been extremely pleased with the results.

In 2005 the first annual Rock Solid Bred Heifer Sale was held at Heartland Auction Mart in Swift Current. This select bred heifer sale, jointly organized by Donald Banford of Eastend and Wayne Bircham is slated for December 10, 2007 with 350 bred females on offer. Wayne, Erin and family plan to bring 100 head of black baldie and black brockle faced heifers to this sale.

The Bircham Ranch cow herd is now 400 Horned Herefords and 50 home-raised F1 black baldies, all bred to registered black Angus bulls. The cows are wintered in three groups: two and three-year olds; four, five and six-year olds; and seven and older females. These groups will stay together when they go to their breeding fields in spring. Plans are to market 10 to 15 straight black open heifer calves (out of the baldie cows) at the Sandy Bar Ranch Short Grass Angus Bull Sale in April, 2007.
The Birchams fed their steers at Red Coat Feeders at Hazenmore, SK one year and have followed them through to slaughter for several years after finishing them at South Island Feeders, Bow Island. The steers gained up to 4.37 pounds per day. Approximately 60% of them graded AAA with yields at 60% and with the heavy end finishing at 13 months of age. At present they are backgrounding the heavy steers for 6 to 8 weeks and selling them in December at approximately 775 pounds. A second group of 8-weight steers is sold in February. The lighter end is geared for the grass market and are fed accordingly. This approach gives them access to three different markets.

Leigh and Jordan are members of the Bear Creek 4-H Beef Club and have a hands-on involvement with the operation of the Bircham Ranch. Their black baldie steers have been declared champions locally as well as at Maple Creek Regional Fair. They now have 25 producing registered Black Angus females purchased from Sandy Bar Ranch and Ebon Hill Angus. Some of these females have won Grand Champion Female, over all breeds, at the Maple Creek Regional 4-H Fair.

Steer calves purchased by 4-H members from the Bircham herd have been champions at Swift Current Fair, 4-H on Parade at Calgary and Calgary British Cross Class at Calgary Stampede. The Grand Champion Pen of Three Bred Heifers at the Medicine Hat Pen Show for 2004, 2005 and 2006 were black brockle heifers from the Bircham Ranch.

In 2004 the Bircham family received the Saskatchewan Hereford Association’s Cattleman of the Year award and received the Saskatchewan Angus Association’s Cattleman of the Year award in 2006.

Bircham Ranch extends an invitation to come visit ... we enjoy showing people our cattle and welcome your questions. We stand behind our cattle.

Congratulations to the Bircham Ranch

2006 Purebred Breeder of the Year
Wilbar Farms, Dundurn, SK
by Clarke Ward

Many prestigious breeders have won the Saskatchewan Angus Breeder of the Year award. Wilbar Farms is no exception - an Angus outfit steeped in tradition with a strong vision of the future, we would like to walk you through the history behind this central Saskatchewan mainstay.

In 1925 Jake Willms was born on the home quarter section near Dundurn, Saskatchewan. Jake and Bernice, as well as their son Dan and his wife Bonnie reside on this quarter today. Just prior to taking over the family farm in the early 1950’s, Jake married Bernice and the two embarked on their farming career. Jake’s first cattle were Red Poll and Hereford cross. He started with approx-imately 40 mother cows and two sections of land. Black Angus influence was first seen in the herd in 1956 and the first purebred Black Angus cattle were purchased in 1962. Several of those first cow families are still represented in the herd today.

The Willms family grew with the birth of Jake & Bernice’s first son Jud in 1950, Dan in 1952, and daughter Sheri in 1955. All children were very active in 4-H, with Angus as the cattle of choice to be shown. Around this time Jake began leading 4-H, a passion that lasted for 25 years. Along with 4-H their children were very active in the day to day operations of the family farm.

Jud and Dan both left the farm to embark on a short career with the RCMP. They both returned to the family farm after realizing this was the lifestyle they preferred. Jud married Betty in 1972, their son Tom was born in 1975 and daughter Jennifer in 1977. Dan and Bonnie were married in 1977, their son Bryan was born in 1979 and daughter Angie in 1982.

By the early 1980’s the Wilbar herd had grown to about 135 mother cows and about 4000 acres of land. During this time Jake began exporting cattle to Europe which began with key contacts and work through AGDEVCO. With the help of provincial and federal export assistance programs, Jake ran seminars in Europe on the benefits of Angus cattle. After more than a dozen trips overseas and much work, Wilbar Farms amassed an extensive export track record. Countries included England, Austria, Bulgaria, and Czechoslovakia. Not content to only tap the European market, Wilbar Farms was also successful at completing sales to Japan, Brazil and Chili.

When severe drought was felt across western Canada in 1988, the Willms’ family made the decision to include irrigation in their farming operations. Four quarter section pivots were added with the intent to secure an ample feed supply for their Angus herd. It also allowed Wilbar Farms the ability to grow different crops to diversify their grain farm. Faba beans, wheat, barley, oats, canola, peas, as well as silage and alfalfa were grown in rotation. This also created the opportunity to export timothy hay to the lucrative Japanese market in recent years. Since 1988, irrigation has been added to a total of ten quarters.

During the 80s, Wilbar Farms had also been marketing their Angus bulls directly into the U.S. The Willms’ sold into the strong Angus based, commercial market in Montana. They developed an excellent sight unseen purchase program based on strong repeat customers and were marketing up to 80 bulls per year south of the border. The 23 year market for these bulls ended only with BSE.

To capture more of the local Angus bull market, Wilbar Farms and M Double B Livestock established the ‘Tools of the Trade’ bull sale in 1996. Currently, Tools of the Trade is the largest Angus bull sale in central Saskatchewan where over 100 Red and Black Angus bulls are marketed to commercial and purebred cattlemen through the sale each spring in Saskatoon. Prior to the establishment of the bull sale, bulls were marketed privately as well as at the Regina and North Battleford Bull Sales.

The goal of Wilbar Farms has always been to raise sound, functional cattle by focusing on feet & leg structure, udder quality and fertility. Cow families are extremely important and certainly formed the strong foundation of the current herd. Some of the most prominent cow families at Wilbar, including Ruby, Lucy and Pride, go back to Jake’s original purchases. In the Red Angus herd, prolific cow families include Bayberry and Lana. It is interesting to note that each of these families is represented in their upcoming "Sure Bet Female Sale" - a new venture with Six Mile Red Angus. Wilbar females have also been marketed through some of the breed’s top sales including the Cross Country, Masterpiece, Angus Pride and Red Roundup. In 1977 Wilbar Farms held the record for high selling heifer calf in Canada and possibly North America – Wilbar Georgina 5H sold for $16,250 to the Loos Angus Ranch from Nebraska in the Cross Country sale.

Of course, cow families aren’t the only reason for the strength of the current herd. Bull selection has also been a priority over the years. Notable sires of influence include breed greats such as Rito 2100, Camilla Bandolier 840G, Premier Thor, Traveler 71, Fortune 2000 and EXT. Walking bulls like Early Sunset High Time 47G, Wilbar Traveler 84E and Wilbar Emulation 331K and Red Towaw Zama 148F, have also left a big impact on the herd.

Today the third generation of the Willms family is working on the farm. Jud’s son Tom returned to the farm after completing high school. Dan’s son Bryan graduated from the University of Saskatchewan’s agriculture program before returning to Wilbar. Bryan married Tracey Edge in 2002. Tracey grew up on commercial ranch in the foothills of Alberta and began her own purebred Red Angus herd in 1989 – that herd now resides at Wilbar. Bryan & Tracey have a daughter, Kylie, and are expecting their second child any day. The future of Wilbar looks bright with the fourth generation started!

Wilbar Farms currently encompasses a land base of approximately 10,000 acres and the herd includes approximately 300 mother cows – 200 Black and 100 Red.

All members of the Willms’ family have contributed to the success of the Angus breed and the cattle industry in general. Jake was President of the Canadian and Saskatchewan Angus Associations as well as served on the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame board for ten years. Bernice was a longstanding Saskatchewan Angus Secretary and was named 2006 Honorary Saskatchewan President. Both Jake & Bernice were involved in the inception of the Moose Jaw Angus Feeder sale. Jake and Bernice received the 2006 Angus Heritage Award for their commitment to the breed and the Saskatchewan Livestock Association Honour Scroll in 1992. Jud served on the Saskatchewan Angus board, the Saskatoon Fall Fair and Regina Bull Sale Committees. Bryan has served as President of both the Canadian Junior Angus (CJAA) and Saskatchewan Junior Angus Associations and was a founding member of both. Tracey was the founding coordinator of the CJAA, a former general manager of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, has spent two terms as a Saskatchewan Angus director and is currently the Saskatchewan Cattle Breeders representative to the Horned Cattle Trust Fund and the Cattle Marketing Deductions Act Advisory Committees.

The Willms family member’s willingness to work together in all aspects of the operation ensures its success and continued prominence in the industry. Their desire to produce a functional Angus animal combined with their strong support of the industry bodes well for their future and they look forward with confidence and optimism.

Congratulations on being named 2006 Purebred Producer of the Year.

Previous News/Winners
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Designed and Maintained by